Our 17th century cider press is situated in the tranquil and picturesque Touques valley which joins the sea at the beach resort of Deauville 45 minutes drive away. The house is convenient for the attractive towns of Orbec and Lisieux and is an ideal base for a family holiday in Normandy.
It is set amongst apple orchards and pastures, in the heart of cheese and cider country. Bayeux, Suisse Normande and Honfleur all within easy reach. Local activities include walking, cycling, restaurants, Châteaux visits.
Accommodation is on the first floor, downstairs being used as a gardening store, giving all the rooms views over the surrounding countryside. Large living/dining room with kitchen area adjoining, 1 double, 1 twin, 1 single (plus folding-bed) modern bath/shower room and separate WC. Pretty 1/4 acre garden with terraces in idyllic setting. Electric heaters throughout. The channel tunnel is about 3 hours, ferries just 1 hour.
Eating out: Examples of local Norman cuisine include: Le Tournebroche in Notre Dame de Courson is excellent and gaining in reputation and is traditional, child-tolerant and good value. It also has a restaurant with the bar – often full of locals at lunchtime having great value plats du jour.The creperie in Livarot is also cheap and cheerful.
In Orbec there is au Caneton which though more expensive, is one of the best in the area. There’s a mid-priced restaurant nearby in the main street – L’Orbecoise.
Further afield there is the Auberge des Deux Tonneaux at Pierrefite-en-Auge, north of Lisieux. It’s 20 minutes drive north of Lisieux, but on a fine day this simple restaurant/creperie’s orchard garden is idyllic and serves good Calvados; there are lovely way-marked walks close by as well. It can get full, so arrive early for lunch.
Staying local : Nearer to home there is one of Normandy’s jewels - the very pretty, moated chateau of St Germain de Livet, further down the Touques valley towards Lisieux. You can go on guided tours into the house or just look at the grounds. The two local towns, Livarot and Orbec, are about 10 and 15 minutes away respectively. Both are attractive, characterful places. Livarot has a cheese museum recommended by many and Orbec, a little bigger, offers a pleasant wander around the shops.
There is a zoo-cum-safari park north-east of Lisieux which is worth a family trip - you will find details in the house.